Battery cover for retention of dielectric fluid

ABSTRACT

A battery cover includes a sealing member configured to provide a fluid-tight sealing member with a battery casing. The sealing member has a top surface and a bottom surface. A vent aperture is formed through the sealing member. A condensation chamber is disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the sealing member and is fluidly coupled to the vent aperture via an outlet. The condensation chamber receiving a flow of a fluid therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/558,042, filed on Sep. 13, 2017. The entiredisclosure of the above patent application is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to a battery and, more particularly, to abattery construction for increasing a useful life thereof through use ofa battery cover which provides a means for collecting drops ofelectrolyte entrained in the gases produced within the battery andreturning the electrolyte to one or more cells of the battery.

BACKGROUND

Various electric storage batteries include ways to capture electrolytevapor, including various filter cap structures that separate and returndroplets of electrolyte to a main source while allowing a discharge ofinternally produced gases. During operation of various types ofbatteries, including lead-acid batteries, gases can be produced withinan interior of the batteries. More specifically, such batteries caninclude a casing or jar containing multiple battery cells, each of whichcontains an anode and a cathode separated by a plate and immersed in anelectrolyte. A pair of terminals can be coupled to the respective anodesand cathodes of the multiple battery cells. Operation of the battery cangenerate gases from chemical reactions taking place within the battery.These gases can entrap and entrain electrolyte and carry the electrolyteout of the respective cells of the battery, which can be detrimental tobattery performance and can shorten the effective operating life of thebattery.

While it would be ideal to solve the above problem by completely sealingthe battery, sealing the battery in certain applications can beimpossible due to a pressure of the gases developed within certainbatteries. Internal pressure can require that the battery is effectivelyvented to accommodate the gases generated within the battery. Withoutproper ventilation, pressures can rise to levels that may damage thebattery.

Various means exist to minimize the loss of electrolyte from batteries.Vented filter caps and battery covers are used to overcome the aboveproblem with varying degrees of success. One such type of filter cap canbe configured in the form of a hollow cylinder with small holes in upperand lower circular faces. The interior of the cylinder can be filledwith small spheres. Droplets of electrolyte thereby condense on theouter surface of the spheres as gases are directed through the cylinderand are collected to form larger drops, which then are directed backinto the battery cell. Other attempts to address escaping electrolyte,due to overloading of such filter caps, include certain battery coversas set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,565 to Doyle, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thesebattery covers can increase battery life by having a lid additionintegral with the battery case or jar that condenses escaping dielectricfluid and causes the condensed liquid to return to the main supply ofdielectric fluid.

Despite such advances, battery design goals are still focused onoptimizing battery performance by permitting a discharge of gasesgenerated within a battery while maximizing the retention of electrolytetherein. For example, it is desired for an entirety of the gases to flowthrough a condensation chamber for condensing electrolyte instead ofjust a portion of the gases flowing through an area for condensation. Itis also desired to optimize a surface area of a medium through which thegas flows to optimize condensation of the electrolyte and retention ofthe electrolyte within the battery. By maximizing electrolyte retentionin this manner, maintenance of the battery is reduced and effectivelifespan is increased.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an improved batterycover which minimizes a loss of electrolyte resulting from gas dischargefrom one or more battery cells.

SUMMARY

In accordance and attuned with the present invention, an improvedbattery cover which minimizes a loss of electrolyte resulting fromdischarge from one or more batter cells has surprisingly beendiscovered.

The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, andprocesses that relate to battery covers and batteries employing suchthat minimize a loss of electrolyte resulting from gas discharge fromone or more battery cells.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a battery cover includes asealing member configured to provide a fluid-tight sealing with abattery casing. The sealing member has a top surface and a bottomsurface. A vent aperture is formed through the sealing member. Acondensation chamber is disposed adjacent the bottom surface of thesealing member and fluidly coupled to the vent aperture via an outlet.The condensation chamber receives a flow of a fluid therethrough.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a battery cover isdisclosed. The battery cover includes a sealing member configured toprovide a fluid-tight seal with the battery casing. The sealing memberhas a top surface, a bottom surface, a vent aperture formedtherethrough, and a terminal aperture formed therethrough. An inner ventwall surrounds the vent aperture and extends outwardly from the bottomsurface of the sealing member. An inner chamber wall extends outwardlyfrom the bottom surface of the sealing member. The inner chamber walldefines a condensation chamber fluidly coupled to the vent aperture viaan outlet. The condensation chamber conveys a flow of a fluidtherethrough. A medium is disposed within the condensation chamber.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofretaining electrolyte in a battery is disclosed. The method includes thefollowing steps: sealing a battery casing containing the battery with abattery cover; venting gases released by the battery through a ventaperture formed through the battery cover; condensing electrolyteentrained within the gases in a condensation chamber disposed on thebattery cover before the gasses exit through the vent aperture, thecondensation chamber fluidly coupled to the vent aperture, the gasescontacting a surface area of a medium disposed within the condensationchamber; and determining a size of the surface area of the mediumdependent on the amount of electrolyte necessitating retainment withinthe battery.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of a battery coveraccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the batter cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the batterycover of FIG. 2, taken through line 3-3;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the batterycover of FIG. 2, taken through line 4-4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom plan view of the battery cover of FIG. 1with a lid removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of a battery coveraccording to another embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom plan view of the battery cover of FIG. 6with a lid removed therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and appended drawings is merely exemplary innature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or moreinventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or usesof any specific invention claimed in this application or in such otherapplications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, orpatents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of thesteps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the stepscan be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used hereinindicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of suchitems may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expresslyindicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to beunderstood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatialdescriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially”in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when appliedto numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurementallows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach toexactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value;nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or“substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with thisordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used hereinindicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods ofmeasuring or using such parameters. Where any conflict or ambiguity mayexist between a document incorporated by reference and this detaileddescription, the present detailed description controls.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” “bottom,” “top,” and the like, may be usedherein for ease of description to describe one element or feature'srelationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in thefigures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a battery cover 10 of a storage battery accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure. The battery cover 10 is configuredfor coupling to a battery jar or battery case (not shown) of thebattery. The battery case includes a plurality of cooperating anodes andcathodes separated by a battery plate which in cooperation withrespective positive and negative terminals and an appropriate liquidelectrolyte form a battery cell. As illustrated, the battery cover 10 isconfigured for a battery containing two cells. However, it isunderstood, the battery cover 10 can be configured for containing fewerthan or greater than two cells, without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The battery cover 10 includes a sealing member 12, terminal apertures14, a vent aperture 16, a condensation chamber 18, and a medium 44. Thesealing member 12 can be configured to provide a fluid-tight sealingmember with the battery case, wherein the sealing member 12 can define asealing membered portion of the battery cover 10 when coupled to thebattery case. The sealing member 12 shown is substantially rectangularin cross-sectional shape to correspond to a shape of the battery casing.However, the sealing member 12 can be any shape to correspond to theshape of the battery casing. The sealing member 12 includes a topsurface 22, an opposing bottom surface 24, and an outer wall 25extending outwardly from and surrounding the bottom surface 24. Aflanged portion 26 extends laterally outwardly from the side walls 25about the perimeter of the sealing member 12. In the embodiment shown,the flanged portion 26 is configured to engage the battery casing whenthe battery cover 10 is coupled to the battery casing.

Each of the terminal apertures 14 includes a rim 30 and is formedthrough the sealing member 12 to receive a positive terminal or anegative terminal (not shown) attached to the anodes and the cathodes ofthe battery. As shown, two terminal apertures 14 are illustrated forconvenience. However, it is understood more than two terminal apertures14 or fewer than two terminal apertures 14 can be formed in the sealingmember 12 depending on the number of battery cells in the battery. Aninner terminal wall 28 surrounds each of the terminal apertures 14 andextends outwardly from the bottom surface 24 of the sealing member 12.

As shown, the vent aperture 16 is formed through the sealing member 12at a center portion of the sealing member 12. The vent aperture 16 isalso centrally disposed with respect to the terminal apertures 14.However, it is understood other structural arrangements of the ventaperture 16 with respect to the terminal apertures 14 can becontemplated as desired, depending on the number of battery cells in thebattery. For example, the vent aperture 16 can non-centrally disposed oroffset from one or more of the terminal apertures 14. The vent aperture16 includes a rim 32 and a coupling feature 34 formed on an innersurface of an inner vent wall 36 surrounding the vent aperture 16. Theinner vent wall 36 extends outwardly from the bottom surface 24 of thesealing member 12. The coupling features 34 are configured for couplingto a vent cap (not shown) for sealing the vent aperture 16. The vent capis capable of releasing a fluid, such as gases produced by the battery,from the battery. For example, the vent cap may be a bayonet-stylestandard or safety vent cap, WATER MISER® vent cap manufactured by DoyleManufacturing, Inc., or any other vent cap now known or later developed.As illustrated, the coupling features 34 are bayonet tabs configured tocooperate with bayonet tabs of the vent caps. However, it is understoodthe coupling features 34 can be non-bayonet style coupling features suchas internal threads, detents, key slots, or any other coupling feature,as desired, depending on the type of the vent cap coupled to the batterycover 10. A height of the inner vent wall 36 is greater than the heightof the inner terminal walls 28.

The condensation chamber 18 is in fluid communication with the ventaperture 16 via an outlet 38 and in fluid communication with an interiorof the battery casing via an inlet 40. The fluid or gases released fromthe battery are conveyed through the condensation chamber 18. The gasesreleased from the battery can include entrained electrolyte in the formof vapor, although it is understood the condensation chamber 18 canreceive other fluids or gases as desired. The condensation chamber 18 isformed on the bottom surface 24 or interior side of the battery cover10. The condensation chamber 18 is defined by an inner chamber wall 42extending outwardly from the bottom surface 24 of the sealing member 12.The inner chamber wall 42 does not surround any of the terminalapertures 14. The inner chamber wall 42 can be integrally formed withthe inner vent wall 36 or separately formed from the inner vent wall 36.

As illustrated, the condensation chamber 18 is divided into a firstcondensation chamber 18 a and a second condensation chamber 18 bextending from diametrically opposed portions of the vent aperture 16.In this way, the gases generated in different regions of the battery canpass through different ones of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 bpositioned in differing locations within the battery casing. It isunderstood the condensation chamber 18 can be divided into more than thetwo condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b, if desired. Each of thecondensation chambers 18 a, 18 b has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.For example, as shown, each of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b hasa substantially irregular hexagonal cross-sectional shape, wherein someof the corners are rounded. It is understood, each of the condensationchambers 18 a, 18 b can have any shape or configuration as desired. Forexample, each of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b can have asubstantially ovular or circular cross-sectional shape, a substantiallyoblong cross-sectional shape, or any other shape as desired.

The inlet 40 is configured as a plurality of elongate slots formed inthe inner chamber wall 42 for receiving gases from the battery casing.The inlet 40 is formed at outermost opposing widthwise ends of the innerchamber wall 42. In the embodiment illustrated, three slots are formedin the inner chamber wall 42 defining the first condensation chamber 18a and three slots are formed in the inner chamber wall 42 defining thesecond condensation chamber 18 b to form the inlet 40, for a total ofsix slots. However, it is understood more than or fewer than six slotscan be formed in the inner chamber wall 42 forming the condensationchambers 18 a, 18 b, if desired. Additionally, the inlet 40 can beconfigured as at least one aperture or a plurality of apertures with anyshapes, if desired. The inlet 40 can also enable retained condensedelectrolyte to flow from the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b to thebattery casing.

The outlet 38 is configured as plurality of slots formed in the innervent wall 36 for receiving gases from the respective ones of thecondensation chambers 18 a, 18 b. In the embodiment illustrated, theoutlet 38 is configured as six slots, wherein three slots are in directfluid communication with each of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b.However, it is understood, the outlet 38 can include more than fourslots or fewer than four slots. Additionally, the outlet 38 can beconfigured as a least one aperture or a plurality of apertures with anyshape, if desired.

As shown in FIG. 4, a medium 44, schematically represented by dashedlines, can be included within each of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18b, wherein the medium 44 provides a desired surface area contacted bythe gases flowing from the inlet 40, through the condensation chambers18 a, 18 b, to the outlet 38. In the embodiment illustrated, the medium44 can include a plurality of particles or a plurality of pellets. Themedium 44 substantially increases a surface area available forelectrolyte condensation to occur within the condensation chambers 18 a,18 b. The size and/or number of the particles or pellets can be adjustedto tailor the available surface area as well as the tortuous nature andresidence time of gas moving from the battery cell(s) and the batterycasing through the inlet 40 of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b andoutward through the outlet 38 to the vent aperture 16. Other media,including a porous medium, porous particle, and/or porous pellets can beused within the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure. The medium 44 can be formed from anymaterial. For example, the medium 44 can be formed from plastic. Incertain embodiments, the medium 44 includes polymeric pellets that areacid resistant and/or oxidation resistant. Other aspects of the presenttechnology include the use of walls or protrusions extending from theinner chamber wall 42 to form a labyrinth of paths for the gases to flowthrough. As schematically shown, the medium 44 fills a portion of thecondensation chambers 18 a, 18 b. However, it is understood, the medium44 can fill an entirety of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 1-5, a plurality of studs 46 can beincluded with the battery cover 10, wherein the studs 46 are configuredto couple the battery cover 10 to the battery casing. The studs 46 alignwith receiving features (not shown) such as detents or holes of thebattery casing. The studs 46 extend outwardly from the bottom surface 24of the flanged portion 26. Although the studs 46 may extend from otherportions of the sealing member 12, besides the flanged portion 26,depending on the alignment of the studs 46 with the battery casing. Thestuds 46 can be integrally formed, as shown, or separately formed fromthe sealing member 12. In certain embodiments, the studs 46 can bewelded or heat staked to the battery casing or coupled to the batterycasing by a friction fit, for example.

A lid 48 covers the vent aperture 16 and the condensation chamber 18 andengages a distal end of the inner vent wall 36 and the inner chamberwall 42. A shape of the lid 48 substantially corresponds with thecross-sectional shape of the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b and thevent aperture 16. Where the lid 48 covers the vent aperture 16, the lid48 includes a protrusion 50 visible through the vent aperture 16 fromthe top surface 22 of the battery cover 10. The protrusion 50 isconfigured as a fill height indicator for electrolyte. The protrusion 50can be centrally located with respect to the vent aperture 16. Theprotrusion 50 can include indicia marking a fill level or provide astructural feature, for example, to indicate when electrolyte or wateris at the top end of the protrusion 50. The lid 48 can be coupled to thewalls 36, 42 forming the vent aperture 16 and the condensation chambers18 a, 18 b with a plurality of studs 52 integrally formed with andextending outwardly from the inner chamber walls 42. Although, inalternate embodiments, the studs 52 can be formed separately from theinner chamber walls 42. The studs 52 engage with a plurality of holes 54formed in the lid 48. The studs 52 can be welding or heat staked to thelid 48 or can be coupled to the lid 48 by a friction fit, if desired.

According to the present disclosure, all of the gases generated in thebattery casing from the battery, including any of the entrainedelectrolyte vapor, are directed through the inlet 40 to the condensationchambers 18 a, 18 b. The gases then exit the condensations chambers 18a, 18 b through the outlet 38 to the vent aperture 16 before ultimatelyexiting the vent aperture 16 of the battery cover 10. In thecondensation chambers 18 a, 18 b, the electrolyte vapor condenses backinto liquid to be retained inside the battery, resulting in less liquidloss from the battery due to evaporation. The flow path of the gases isrestricted by the medium 44 in the condensation chambers 18 a, 18 b asthe gases must flow between and around the medium 44. As a result, thegases contact more surface area, resulting in more of the electrolyteentrained within the gases being condensed back into liquid, compared toprior art. Battery life can therefore be optimized. The condensedelectrolyte can then be returned to the battery through the inlet 40.

Advantageously, when adding the electrolyte or the water to the battery,the protrusion 50 is visible through the vent aperture 16 when the ventcap covering the vent aperture 16 is removed and provides an easy way toknow when the battery is properly filled with the electrolyte. In thismanner, the protrusion 50 provides an indication of the proper filllevel of the electrolyte when initially assembling the battery and anindication of the proper fill level in maintaining the battery.

Also, advantageously, the studs 46, 52 not only facilitate coupling ofthe battery cover 10 to the battery casing and the lid 48 to the batterycover 10, respectively, but also serve as ejector pin pads to aid partejection from a mold in which the studs 46, 52 and/or battery cover 10is formed. Since batteries are manufactured in different sizes, theshape and size of the battery cover 10, the condensation chambers 18 a,18 b, and the lid 48 can vary, as desired.

FIGS. 6-7 include a battery cover 100 according to another embodiment ofthe instant disclosure. Features of the battery cover 100 of FIGS. 6-7similar to the features of the battery cover 10 of FIGS. 1-5 arereferenced by the same reference numeral but with a leading one “1” forconvenience. The battery cover 100 of FIGS. 6-7 is substantially thesame as the battery cover 10 of FIGS. 1-5, except the battery cover 100includes four terminal apertures 114 and a configuration of thecondensation chamber 118 is different.

In the embodiment illustrated, the condensation chamber 118 is dividedinto the pair of condensation chambers 118 a, 118 b each havingsubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shapes to accommodate forminimized spacing and area between the terminal apertures 114. While notshown, it is understood, the battery covers 10, 100 can include varyingconfigurations and shapes of the condensation chamber 18, 118 toaccommodate for the number of and spacing between the terminal apertures14, 114 and vent apertures 16, 116.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanyingdrawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variationscan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery cover comprising: a sealing memberconfigured to provide a fluid-tight seal with a battery casing, thesealing member having a top surface and a bottom surface; a ventaperture formed through the sealing member; and a condensation chamberdisposed adjacent the bottom surface of the sealing member, wherein thecondensation chamber includes an inlet fluidly coupling the condensationchamber to the battery casing and an outlet fluidly coupling thecondensation chamber to the vent aperture, the condensation chamberreceiving a flow of a fluid therethrough with a portion of the flow ofthe fluid condensing within the condensation chamber while flowing fromthe inlet to the outlet, wherein the inlet is further configured toallow for the portion of the flow of the fluid that has condensed withinthe condensation chamber to flow back into the battery casing throughthe inlet.
 2. The battery cover of claim 1, further comprising a mediumdisposed within the condensation chamber, the medium having a surfacearea contacting the flow of the fluid through the condensation chamber.3. The battery cover of claim 2, wherein the medium includes a pluralityof particles.
 4. The battery cover of claim 2, wherein the mediumincludes a plurality of pellets.
 5. The battery cover of claim 2,wherein the medium is a plastic.
 6. The battery cover of claim 1,wherein the inlet is configured as a slot and the outlet is configuredas a slot.
 7. The battery cover of claim 1, wherein the vent apertureand the condensation chamber are integrally formed.
 8. The battery coverof claim 1, wherein the condensation chamber is divided into a pluralityof condensation chambers, each of the plurality of condensation chambersfluidly coupled to the vent aperture.
 9. The battery cover of claim 1,further comprising a terminal aperture formed through the sealing memberand configured to receive a terminal of a battery.
 10. The battery coverof claim 1, further comprising a lid covering at least a portion of thevent aperture and the condensation chamber.
 11. The battery cover ofclaim 10, wherein the lid includes an upper surface and a protrusionprojecting from the upper surface of the lid, wherein the protrusion isvisible through the vent aperture, the protrusion indicating a filllevel for electrolyte.
 12. The battery cover of claim 10, wherein thelid is coupled to the sealing member to cover the at least the portionof the vent aperture and the condensation chamber with a plurality ofstuds.
 13. The battery cover of claim 10, wherein the lid forms a bottomsurface of the condensation chamber, and wherein the inlet is a slotformed in a wall defining a perimeter of the condensation chamber, theslot extending to the lid in order to facilitate the portion of the flowof the fluid that has condensed within the condensation chamber flowingback into the battery casing through the inlet via the force of gravity.14. A battery cover for covering a battery casing comprising: a sealingmember configured to provide a fluid-tight seal with the battery casing,the sealing member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a ventaperture formed therethrough, and a terminal aperture formedtherethrough; an inner vent wall surrounding the vent aperture andextending outwardly from the bottom surface of the sealing member; aninner chamber wall extending outwardly from the bottom surface of thesealing member, the inner chamber wall defining a condensation chamberfluidly coupled to the vent aperture via an outlet, the condensationchamber conveying a flow of a fluid therethrough; and a medium disposedwithin the condensation chamber, wherein the condensation chamberreceives the flow of the fluid from the battery casing through an inletformed in the inner chamber wall and conveys the fluid to the ventaperture through the outlet formed in the inner vent wall, wherein themedium has a surface contacting the flow of the fluid through thecondensation chamber, and wherein an electrolyte entrained within thefluid condenses on the surface area and flows back into the batterycasing through the inlet formed in the inner chamber wall.
 15. Thebattery cover of claim 14, wherein the condensation chamber is dividedinto a pair of condensation chambers each extending laterally outwardlyfrom the inner vent wall.
 16. The battery cover of claim 14, wherein themedium has a surface contacting the flow of the fluid through thecondensation chamber, and wherein an electrolyte entrained within thefluid condenses on the surface area.
 17. The battery cover of claim 14,wherein the inlet formed in the inner chamber wall is provided as a slotextending to a bottom of the inner chamber wall to facilitate theelectrolyte that has condensed within the condensation chamber flowingback into the battery casing through the inlet via the force of gravity.18. The battery cover of claim 14, wherein the inner vent wall does notsurround the terminal aperture.
 19. A method of retaining electrolyte ina battery comprising the steps of: sealing a battery casing containingthe battery with a battery cover; venting gases released by the batterythrough a vent aperture formed through the battery cover; condensingelectrolyte entrained within the gases in a condensation chamberdisposed on the battery cover before the gasses exit through the ventaperture, wherein the condensation chamber includes an inlet fluidlycoupling the condensation chamber to the battery casing and an outletfluidly coupling the condensation chamber to the vent aperture with thegases flowing from the inlet to the outlet during the condensing of theelectrolyte, the gases contacting a surface area of a medium disposedwithin the condensation chamber, wherein the inlet is further configuredto allow for the condensed electrolyte to flow back into the batterycasing through the inlet; and determining a size of the surface area ofthe medium dependent on the amount of electrolyte necessitatingretainment within the battery.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising the step of indicating a level of electrolyte within thebattery through the vent aperture with a protrusion extending throughthe vent aperture.